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Meaning of Held captive
The primary meaning of "held captive" refers to being kept in a state of confinement or imprisonment, often against one's will.
Etymology of Held captive
The word "captive" comes from the Latin "captivus," meaning "prisoner," which is derived from "captus," the past participle of "capere," meaning "to take."
The phrase "held captive" has been used in English since the 15th century to describe being held in a state of confinement or imprisonment.
Synonyms
imprisoned
confined
detained
restrained
trapped
enslaved
bound
shackled
fettered
chained
locked up
incarcerated
jailed
interned
held prisoner
in captivity
under arrest
under detention
in custody
in chains
in bondage
enslaved
subjugated
oppressed
tyrannized
dominated
controlled
constrained
restricted
limited
curbed
checked
hindered
impeded
obstructed
blocked
barred
hindered
impeded
obstructed
blocked
barred
Definitions
- The phrase "held captive" means being kept in a state of confinement or imprisonment, often against one's will, according to Oxford Languages.
- * It can also refer to being under the control or influence of someone or something, such as an idea, emotion, or situation.
Usage Examples
- The hostages were held captive by the terrorists for several days.
- * The prisoner was held captive in a small cell with no windows.
- * The idea of freedom held her captive, and she longed to break free from her oppressive situation.